Agenda item

Michael Conroy, attending on behalf of My Sight Nottinghamshire and delivering a presentation. Keith Morgan attending on behalf of Nottingham City Council Cycling and Road Space Transformation Team to respond following an audit of the issues raised.

Michael Conroy, Chief Executive Officer, and Angela Phillips, Service Manager, both of My Sight Nottinghamshire, were invited to attend the Committee as a result of increased reports of incidents where irresponsible cyclist/ mobility scooter riders on footpaths have collided or nearly collided with pedestrians, specifically visually impaired citizens.

Keith Morgan, of Nottingham City Council’s Road Space Transformation Team, was also in attendance.

A copy of the My Sight presentation is included within the agenda and outlines the work of My Sight Nottinghamshire, identified the issues and reported collisions or near collisions with visually impaired citizens on pavements or pedestrianised zones in the Bulwell area, and highlighted the negative impact on visually impaired people’s confidence and sometimes independence that such incidents may have.

Keith Morgan acknowledged the conflict of pedestrian and cyclists and vehicles and welcomed the suggestion of possible solutions, emphasising that prior to any action, further discussions would need to take place with officers and councillors.

The Road Space Transformation Team also has responsibility for delivering transport schemes and has a focus on promoting sustainable transport which includes cycling and walking. There has  been a significant investment in travel and transport schemes, some of which have included dedicated cyclist provision, but these have mostly been funded externally and the City Council does not have the funds available for new schemes.

Following the presentation, the Committee’s discussion included the following points and responses:

(a)  It is of great concern that such incidents can cause visually impaired citizens to lose confidence and feel anxious about leaving their home to the extent that they go out less and therefore have less independence;

(b)  Most of the reported incidents took place in the Highbury Vale area although Bulwell Market Place has also been identified as a problem;

(c)  It is recognised that citizens cycling recklessly on pavements are not likely to be responsible cyclists but ‘Think pedestrian’ stickers have been placed strategically in the Highbury Vale shops area to try and raise awareness. However further work needs to be done to resolve the situation, therefore the committee is requested to consider ideas and possible solutions.

(d)  It is understood that cyclists may not feel safe using some stretches of road. This is due to the heavy traffic and/or speed, and/or state of the road, but alternative routes should be found or provided rather than accepting cycling on pavements. Speeding mobility scooters have also been an issue, and it should be noted that there is a legal maximum limit of 4 mph for travelling on pavements; 

(e)  It is appreciated that where some roads are narrow, residents parking on pavements is the only option to ensure emergency vehicle access, but parking on pavements is discouraged by My Sight Nottingham as it results in confusing situations for visually impaired people and may also mislead guide dogs. If communities come together, mutually beneficial parking solutions can often be found;

(f)  Is noted that there are restrictions in the City Centre regarding the use of ‘A’ boards on pavements, and that it would be beneficial to visually impaired people if this approach was rolled out across the whole City;

(g)  Preventing cycling in Bulwell High Street and Bulwell Market Place is proving very difficult as the proposal is not supported the Cycling Lobby, even the request to dismount while passing through this area. Cycle parking could be provided at the edge of town centre and identifying safer alternative cycle routes with signage may also be beneficial;

(h)  It is national policy for bicycles be sold with a bell, however once purchased it can be removed. The Canal Trust stipulate that if using the canal path, cyclists must have and use a bell. Unfortunately some pedestrians take offence at cyclists using bells to forewarn them of their presence;

(i)  Elira Mano, Nottingham City Homes, suggested that since antisocial behaviour powers have been increased, liaising with Community Protection should be considered, along with the possibility of a calming order in the area as this has previously been applied to improve similar situations. Suki Shergill responded that Neighbourhood Development Officers were already working with Community Protection colleagues who had undertaken a survey;

(j)  Previous enforcement measures by Community Protection colleagues had worked well buta consistent approach is required to ensure compliance;

(k)  There appears to be a lot of young people and children recklessly riding bicycles without brakes, lights or bells in public areas. They are a danger to themselves and other people but there don’t appear to be any powers to prevent them;

(l)  Traffic calming measures on busy roads may encourage cyclists to return to the road but funding for such schemes would need to be sought externally to the City Council. However cost analysis of potential solutions across the whole area should be sought.

RESOLVED

(1)  to note the Committee’s thanks to My Sight Nottinghamshire for attending and highlighting the current issues;

(2)  for further work to be undertaken in partnership with ward Councillors and the Road Space Transformation Team to identify and cost possible solutions to the issues raised, and for the findings to be reported to a future meeting.